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Order this typewriter today, and we will send you a Smith Corona Four in about 2 weeks. I will not be the exact model shown (and there may be very slight variations), but it will be a beautifully serviced and inspiring writing machine in similar or BETTER condition than the one shown.

The infamous Corona Four was one of the most popular typewriters of its era. It is also one of the most well designed. It was produced between 1924 and 1941, an exceptionally long run, attesting to the stunning design. It is one of my favorites in terms of balancing portability, vintage appeal, robust design, and use-ability.

The engineering is a little more primitive, when compared with its later siblings like the Smith Corona Silent. This means the type will have more of an ‘antique’ appeal. The letters aren’t always perfectly aligned (though I do adjust them). This beauty may need to be ‘tinkered with’ some.

Loading the ribbon is a little bit more of an art form than on the later machines. The spools and the spool covers are difficult to come by and of special size, so they need to be cherished and protected. They’re missing on most of the offerings.

There is magic in these early machines. While they exist before the time of ball bearing carriages, they type remarkably well (and remarkably fast). Their styles are vintage yet timeless, lending a beautiful aura to any desk or shelf (though please don’t park it there forever).

There are some slight variations through versions. Some have slightly different decals and branding on front and rear. They are all gloss, though some have textured panels on front, sides, and rear, either in gold or black.

There is a change to the design of the red / black ribbon selector which occurs in the 30’s. The switch is brought down by the keyboard instead of up by the ribbon vibrator. Most people don’t use the red ribbon enough to really notice, though it is a design improvement.

Typeface is either a 12 character per inch Elite or 10 character per inch Pica. A beautiful, vintage typeface.

While the platen and feet are often hard, they’ve been resurfaced (the hardest layer removed) or replaced as needed. I usually do replace the feet, as this gives a much more pleasant typing experience.

I wind a fresh ribbon onto the original ribbon spools, and that will keep you going for many months.

I find these machines to be beautiful and resilient writing machines, and due to their popularity, they can be find in excellent condition. They rarely work when they come in, and I don’t recommend buying one un-serviced, unless you merely want a stunning piece of decor.

The cases are high quality, with custom latches. They are often worn, though I’ll always try to include one that works.

Sound assessment: these are relatively loud clackers, though we replace the rubber bumper at the bottom of the keystroke, which reduces the sound by about 40-60%.

Please let me know if you have questions. writeon@classictypewriter.com

BUY with CONFIDENCE...

THE CLASSIC TYPEWRITER PROCESS

Working Guarantee

(Or: How dare we guarantee a 50 or 60 year old machine?)

Each machine is carefully screened for quality and reliability.

Each machine passes a rigorous 14 point mechanical inspection.

Each machine is cleaned, serviced, and adjusted so that it functions as it was designed to.

Each machine is THOROUGHLY tested by a writer. (Usually people who say a typewriter ‘works’ haven’t tested most of its most important features. Sometimes the type bars move but are misaligned; sometimes the carriage won’t advance; sometimes lesser-used keys stick; sometimes whole pieces are missing, etc). If it is found to need work, we have technicians with 40 years of experience.

If it is found to be acceptable…

Each machine is described in vivid detail and carefully photographed from every angle in high resolution so you know exactly what you’re getting.

Each machine is cleaned and carefully packaged for safe shipment (believe it or not, improper shipping is the MOST COMMON CAUSE OF DAMAGE for a vintage typewriter).

The Classic Typewriter LIFETIME Trade-In Policy

If at any reason you decide that you are done with the machine you got from us, you can trade it in for the full value, minus shipping and, if there is any, wear and tear. You pay the difference and we will send your next dream machine.

Classic Typewriter Promises.

What you'll get:

A beautiful writing machine to inspire decades of writing enjoyment. Serviced, lubricated, and ready to use.

I want to imagine that opening the box is like opening the curtain on a warm spring day: a glow of delight fills you.

Imagine the box with the 'Classic Typewriter' imprint delivered to your door.

Features:

• Each machine passes our rigorous 14 point mechanical inspection.

• The machine comes with our 'famous Classic Typewriter Guarantee'.

  (It will be working on arrival, or we will remedy the situation).

• A Lifetime Trade In Policy.

  (Trade it in for the value you paid toward another machine as long as we're in business).

• A copy of the original manual.

  (Original if we have it, or a digital copy).

• Safe, eco-friendly packaging. (Double-walled 250 lbs pound tested box, secured carriage).

  (We've shipped over 500 machines with very few problems).

• A new ribbon, on vintage spools.

• Machine support. (We realize that it may be intimidating to embrace an older technology, so you'll have support where needed).

• A digital guide to using your new (vintage) machine and replacing supplies.

• Refurbished, original platen.

  (We resurface the outer layer, to create a beautiful surface for the type slugs. This is preferable to 'new' platens in many cases for a few reasons).

• New feet or rollers as needed.

We source the best condition machine available, serviced by skilled technicians and ready to write.

***

FAQ

When will I get my machine?

We ship your writing machine in 2-3 weeks, via UPS ground. (To the US. International shipping requires a few days more, USPS International services).

What takes that long?

We sell machines by model, so it takes take a machine out of inventory that matches your specs, and inspect, clean, and service it.

Can I just find a used machine somewhere instead?

Of course! We encourage you to explore the world. However, it won't quite work right. this is the nature of a machine sitting for decades.

If you need to get to writing, and spare yourself many nights of research and tinkering, we have the solution.

What about 'refurbished' machines on other vintage sites?

Usually, they are just cleaned up slightly and shipped out. They don't usually work 100% (more like 80%). This is because most people have never used a writing machine, so they don't know how it is supposed to work! They see an opportunity to buy a vintage machine and 'flip it', however... you get what you pay for, as the old adage goes!

Why do you charge X?

Excellent question!

Priceless heirloom, endless inspiration, the stuff of dreams. Some are priced based on rarity: others based on difficulty of servicing. For instance, I need to purchase 2-3 Remington 5’s to get one to work perfectly. Most Noiseless Portables have a ribbon advance that doesn’t work. Silent Supers are priced by the rarity of their color. As is the maroon gloss Corona Standard. Etc.

You’ll pass it to your children or into the annals of history.

Ask yourself what this will bring you, and what you could create with it, and you’ll have answered your question.